Henrietta was hand-picked by the Seneca Gaming Corporation to be the site for a gaming facility.

"There's about 2,500 businesses that are in Henrietta," said Bill Mulligan Jr., Henrietta Deputy Town Supervisor.
But the news of a gaming facility moving into town came out of left field for town leaders.

"I was basically caught off guard. I did call the supervisor - he wasn't aware of it either," said Mulligan.

Mulligan says for that reason, he's reserving judgment on the idea, but he's keeping an open mind.

"We don't know where they want to do it or how big it is or what exactly they will be offering at the facility," he said.

For now, those questions will remain unanswered. A spokesperson with Seneca Nation says local developer Flaum Management will be drafting up a proposal, and it will be up to them to recommend exactly what type of gaming facility this will be.

Residents like Allen Beauregard are already weighing in on the idea.

"I have no objection to gaming. I just don't want it in my backyard," said Beauregard.

In a statement, Seneca Nation President Barry Snyder Sr said:

"The Seneca Nation is interested in looking for opportunities to grow and complement our gaming operations, consistent with our contractual restrictions under the SGC's current financing."

In Gates, Rochester Tech Park was picked to be a prime location for a gaming facility. The town supervisor had been trying to bring one there for months. For him, this news is bittersweet.
"I'm disappointed that it's not Gates. Second, I am very excited about the possibility of having a casino in Henrietta. It's great for the area," said Mark Assini, Gates Town Supervisor.

Assini says there are treaty stipulations for future casino and gaming development in Western New York. He believes the cards are stacked against the plan.

"It's going to be a very, very tough project to pull off," said Assini.